Chapter 23

 

Callum’s breath caught in this throat the moment he saw Georgie. He watched her as she walked down the stairs, and somehow the word ‘stunning’ didn’t seem big enough to describe her, right at that moment.

The dress she chose was perfect, and very Georgie. But it was more than just the dress; it was everything about her. For the first time since he had met her, she looked truly happy; like she was completely comfortable in her own skin. She looked elegant and confident, and it made Callum smile.

“You like?” She asked as she came down the last few steps. When she reached the bottom, she gave him a twirl.

“I love,” Callum replied as he pulled her into his arms. Something was different about her, but he wasn’t sure what. That’s when he noticed her hair.

“You cut your hair,” Callum said as Georgie turned to let him see it better. It was still just past her shoulders, and the stylist had decided to put it in soft curls, pinning it back from her face, but letting it tumble down her back.

“Don’t you like it?” She asked, giving him a worried look.

“No… I mean I do, of course, you look amazing, it’s just,” Callum said, searching for the right words. He noticed then that her earrings were gone once more, just like they were the first time he brought her to his parent’s home. “I love you for who you are. I don’t need you to look a certain way. I want you to be who you are. If that’s pink hair and earrings, then I love that part of you too.”

Georgie smiled, before she leaned in, kissing him softly.

“But this is who I am,” she whispered, giving him a bright smile. “You have helped me find the real me. I don’t need to hide myself from the world anymore behind jewellery or hair dye. Not when I have you standing beside me.”

Callum stared at her for a moment, taking in what she had just said. Finally, a big smile filled his face as he drew her closer to him once more.

“I didn’t think it was possible to love you more,” he breathed out slowly. “I was wrong.”

He softly pressed his lips to hers, before he released her from his embrace, reaching for her hand.

“The car is waiting downstairs,” Callum informed Georgie as he led her across the living room, then down the hallway, towards the front door.

Since Callum had asked her to go with him to the ball, a tiny part of him was worried that it might be too much too soon. He knew she wasn’t quite ready to step out into the limelight; and if he were completely honest, part of him wanted to keep her hidden away.

Not because he was ashamed or embarrassed by her; nothing could be further from the truth.  It was more about keeping their lives private; keeping their love between them. It somehow made it more intimate.

But stepping into the elevator, with her hand in his, he felt proud. He was going to be at the ball with the most beautiful girl in the world, and she loved him. Life felt pretty damn good right at that moment.

The car pulled to a stop alongside the red carpet that was running from the edge of the curb to the glass door of the very plush hotel where the charity ball was being held.

Callum looked at Georgie and smiled at her. She looked nervous. Callum knew that she was beyond terrified. The bank of photographers that lined one side of the red carpet flashing their large cameras, taking picture after picture were intimidating to say the least.

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Georgie asked, giving Callum a worried look. “I can just go home if…”

Before she could finish, he leaned forward and kissed her softly on the lips.

“Breathe,” He whispered as he always did when Georgie was spiralling. “I want you here. Please.”

“Okay,” Georgie smiled before she pressed her lips to his once more.

Callum watched her for a moment longer, before he turned and nodded to the driver to open his door. He stepped out of the car, before he turned back, holding out his hand to Georgie.

As she stepped out of the car, the flashes of the camera, almost blinded them both. She gripped Callum’s hand tightly as they moved along the red carpet.

Callum took a few steps before he stopped and turned to the cameras, pulling Georgie into his embrace.

“Smile,” he leaned in and whispered. “You look beautiful.”

Georgie looked up at Callum, and a smile spread across her face before she turned to smile at the cameras. Callum couldn’t help but watch her. She was beyond beautiful, and he was so proud to stand next to her.

“CALLUM!” One of the photographers shouted. “DOES YOUR FRIEND HAVE A NAME?”

“This is Georgie Taylor,” Callum replied, with a bright smile. “And she is the love of my life.”

His words sparked a flurry of flashes. With photographer after photographer calling out Georgie’s name, asking her so many questions.

Callum just smiled, as he released her from his embrace, taking hold of her hand once more, then leading her to the glass doors of the hotel.

“See,” he said once they were in the safety of the hotel lobby. “It wasn’t so bad.”

“I’m shaking like a leaf,” Georgie replied, looking into Callum’s eyes. “I don’t know if I ever want to do that again.”

“The first time is always scary,” Callum assured her with a smile. “I promise. You will get used to it.”

“I don’t know that I could ever get used to that,” Georgie replied as a small v formed on her forehead.

“I promise that it won’t be something you’ll have to face every week,” Callum promised. “And it’s rarely like this. It’s just, tonight is a big night. There are a lot of important people here.”

“Oh,” Georgie replied, but still she looked unsure.

“Come on,” Callum laughed tugging her hand, before continuing towards the doors that were covered in silver and pink balloons. “Let’s go get a drink, and maybe even have a little bit of fun.”

Walking through the door, Callum smiled to see there was already a huge turnout. He checked their names on a table plan posted next to the door, before he led Georgie through the crowd toward where their seats were. Callum was stopped many times along the way by an endless stream of people, and each time he was, he introduced Georgie to them.

Finally, they reached their table where they found Nell, Sean, Landen, Amelia, Finn and Emmy already seated.

Once they had all greeted one another, Callum pulled out Georgie’s seat for her, before he sat down next to her.

“Georgie, Sweetheart,” Nell said, giving her a bright smile. “You look simply beautiful this evening.”

“Thanks. Nell,” Georgie replied, but her face still flushed with embarrassment. Callum knew that Georgie was still unsure about how his mother felt about her. Not that she had anything to worry about, Nell adored her, of that Callum was sure. But he knew Georgie still worried about things Nell had said in the past.

Callum was just about to reassure her when Liam and Dylan arrived at the table.

“You can all relax,” Liam chuckled as he kissed his mother on the cheek, before he moved on to Amelia, then Emmy. “The fun Murphy boy has arrived to recuse you beautiful ladies from…”

He stopped when he reached Georgie. He stared at her for a moment, before his smile widened.

“Wow,” he said, as he leaned in, kissing her cheek. “And I thought you looked hot in the white bikini.”

“Liam,” Callum admonished him, slapping him on the head as he sat down next to him. Callum knew that Georgie didn’t have feelings for Liam, but there was still a tiny trace of jealousy inside him; that fear he would lose her. “Seriously.”

“What?” Liam asked, giving his brother a grin, as he rubbed his head. “It’s a compliment.”

“You boys behave,” Sean said from the far side of the table before he gave Liam a warning look. “Try to remember there are ladies present.”

“Didn’t you bring dates?” Landen asked, clearly trying to change the subject.

“I would have to have a social life, to find a date,” Dylan said with a yawn. “I seem to spend my life either at the hospital or trying to sleep before I go back to the hospital.”

“Well, I could always introduce you to someone,” Amelia said with a grin, as both Callum and Finn laughed. Amelia was always trying to fix them up with some girl or another. “I know this lovely girl…”

“I’m good,” Dylan replied with a laugh before she finished her sentence. “I promise.”

“What about you?” Amelia asked, turning her attention to Liam. “Why didn’t you bring a date?”

“Seriously?” he said with a wicked grin. “Look at all these gorgeous ladies. You don’t bring a packed lunch to a buffet.”

“Charming,” Nell groaned, as she gave Liam a disapproving look. “I sometimes wonder where I got you from.”

The rest of the table just laughed, as Callum glanced at Georgie, and he was happy to see she was laughing too. Nikki was the last to join them at the table. When she did, she took her seat between Dylan and Amelia. As she did, she glanced over at Georgie, giving her a wink, and Callum couldn’t help but smile. He knew the girls all cared about Georgie too.

By the time dinner was over, and the music had started, Georgie was completely relaxed, making Callum relax more too. This evening had so far been everything Callum had hoped it would be. A way for Georgie to see that not only did she fit into his world; she belonged there.

“GEORGIE!” a voice exclaimed suddenly from behind Callum, completely surprising him. He was even more surprised when Georgie turned and instantly smiled, as she stood up, hugging some random guy. “Oh, my God! I wasn’t sure if it was you.”

“Oh, my God, Ryan!” Georgie squealed excitedly, as Callum watched her, completely surprised by her reaction. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m here with the guys,” Ryan replied as he took in every inch of Georgie. Instantly Callum could feel a bubble of jealousy flare inside him. “We’re playing in a bit. Shit, Georgie, I almost didn’t recognise you. You look…amazing.”

“Thanks,” she replied, blushing a little. Callum couldn’t just sit there anymore. He stood up, giving Georgie a questioning look, and Georgie instantly blushed more. “I’m sorry, Callum, this is Ryan. He is the base player of the band I used to sing with in the club. Ryan, this is Callum Murphy.”

“The famous Callum Murphy,” Ryan said, giving Callum a genuine smile, holding out his hand. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“Oh?” Callum asked shaking his hand, surprised by his comment.

“You’re all that asshole, Shane talks about,” Ryan replied, once more surprising Callum. “How you have tricked George into leaving him. But in my opinion, she was always too good for that loser, so anyone who pisses him off, is awesome in my book.”

“Well, Shane’s loss, is definitely my gain,” Callum replied with a genuine smile. He liked this guy. He seemed to care about Georgie.

“Hey,” Ryan said suddenly, as his face lit up. “You should join us tonight, you know for old time sake.”

“Join you?” Callum asked, unsure what Ryan was talking about.

“To sing,” he replied, giving Callum a grin. “You have heard her, right? This girl has serious pipes.”

“I’m not singing,” Georgie insisted, shutting him right down.

“Just one song,” Ryan pushed, giving her a pleading look.

“Georgie sings?” Liam asked, now suddenly beside Callum.

“Dude, sings isn’t even the right word,” Ryan replied, looking at Liam.

“I’m not singing.” Georgie insisted once more, looking from Ryan, to Liam, then to Callum. “Not a chance; not here.”

“But you have to,” Liam pushed. “I mean, I want to hear you; we all want to hear you.”

“Well, you’re all going to be disappointed,” Georgie replied before someone called Ryan’s name.

“Look,” Ryan said, kissing Georgie on the cheek. “I need to get back. Just think about it. You look sensational, Kid.”

With one last smile, he turned and disappeared back through the crowd. Georgie turned back to the table, picking up her clutch.

“I’m going to use the little girl’s room,” she told Callum, as she turned back towards him, smiling.

“Are you okay,” Callum whispered, grabbing her hand before she could walk away.

“Yeah,” she replied with a smile before she kissed his cheek. “I won’t be long.”

She turned, pushing her way through the crowd, heading toward the ladies room. Callum stood there, watching her closely, feeling a little unsure of himself once more.

“She’s fine,” Liam assured him as if reading his thoughts. “She’s just finding her feet. You need to stop overthinking this.”

“I’m not overthinking anything,” Callum insisted.

“Cal, you overthink everything,” Liam replied with a laugh, slapping Callum on the back. “It’s who you are. But she loves you. Man. You need to stop doubting that.”

Callum was just about to reply when he spotted Camilla make a beeline straight towards the table.

“Fuck!” He groaned just loud enough for Liam to hear him. His brother instantly followed his gaze and groaned the moment he spotted Camilla.

“Do you want me to get rid of her?” Liam asked, and Callum knew, Liam was deadly serious.

“No,” he sighed as he glanced towards the ladies room, then sighed once more. “I’ll take care of it. If Georgie comes back, tell her I will be right back.”

Without waiting for Liam to respond, Callum made his way towards Camilla, stopping her in her tracks before she reached their table.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Callum asked as he discreetly took hold of her arm, quickly leading her towards the door.

“I bought my ticket,” Camilla purred, giving Callum a wicked grin. “I thought you would be pleased I was supporting your little charity.”

“You don’t support anyone but you, Camilla,” Callum retorted as he pushed open the door to the foyer, and escorted her outside. “You’re here because you think it’s cute to play games.”

“But I’ve always loved our games,” she replied, dropping her hand, stroking Callum’s cock through his pants, He quickly grabbed her hand, pulling it from his crotch. “I bet little Ms. Sunshine doesn’t get you off the way I can. I bet she would be shocked if she knew the things we used to do in the bedroom.”

“You leave her out of this,” Callum hissed, giving Camilla a warning look. “I mean it. Don’t test me Camilla, or I’ll…”

“Or you’ll what?” Camilla asked, giving him a look of contempt. “I’m not scared of you, Callum Murphy. Don’t ever forget that. But I’m sure Nanny Mcphee would run a mile if she knew what you’re really like; don’t you agree? Or maybe she would like to join us sometime. I’m always willing to try new things.”

“You stay away from me,” Callum hissed, taking a step closer to Camilla, holding her eyes with his. “And you stay the hell away from Georgie, or I swear to God, I’ll destroy you. You know I will. This is your only warning.”

“Someone should warn her about your temper?” Camilla replied, smiling up into Callum’s face, but he knew her smile was far from genuine.

“Go home, Camilla.” Callum hissed, finally releasing his grip on her elbow. “Nobody is interested in your bullshit here.”

Without saying another word, Callum turned and walked back into the room where the ball was being held. The moment he did, he spotted Georgie sitting at the table and he smiled, but inside, his heart sank a little. Camilla’s words played in his mind. He knew she was right. He had done things with Camilla he had never done with anyone else. Things he was not very proud of.

Callum realised now that Camilla brought out the worst in him, and in some, sick twisted way, she enjoyed it. She liked to play games, and she liked to fuck hard. At the time, Callum had found it new and exciting. But looking back now, it was just fucking, and it didn’t compare to how he felt when he was with Georgie.

“Are you okay?” Georgie asked, giving him a worried look as he reached the table.

“Never better,” he replied as he held out his hand to Georgie. “Dance with me.”

“But there’s no one else on the floor yet,” Georgie said as she glanced towards the dance floor.

“I don’t care,” he said as he reached down and took her hand. “Please.”

Georgie stared at him for a moment, before she smiled, then took his hand, and let him lead her to the dance floor.

Taking her in his arms, Callum began to move in time with the music. Closing his eyes, he pulled her closer to him, pushing all thoughts from his mind except one. How much he loved her.

“I love you,” he whispered as they continued to make their way around the dance floor, which was now filling up with other dancers. “I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Georgie.”

“I love you, too,” she replied, without lifting her head from his chest. “More than I ever imagine possible.”

“Promise me you’ll never leave me,” Callum whispered, as once more Camilla’s words filled his mind. “That no matter what should happen. You’ll stay and fight.”

“Is there something wrong?” Georgie asked, lifting her head, looking up at Callum, and he could see the worry in her eyes.

“I just love you so much, it scares me,” he replied, looking down into her eyes. “I’m scared I’m going to get this so wrong, and you’ll walk away from me.”

“I promise,” Georgie assured him. “I’m going nowhere.”

Before Callum could reply, the song ended, and when the applause died down, the singer from the band began to speak.

“Thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen,” he said with a bright smile. “I hope you’re all enjoying your evening. We’ve been just handed a request from one of our lovely guests here this evening, and he has offered to donate an additional twenty thousand dollars to tonight’s charity if one very talented young lady that is here with us this evening would agree to join us on the stage for just one song.”

A hum of excitement filled the room, and Callum knew he was going to call on Georgie, and from the look on her face, she knew it too.

“This has to be Liam’s doing,” Callum whispered into Georgie’s ear. “I swear, I’m going to kill him for this stunt.”

Before Georgie could respond, the guy on the stage called out her name, asking her to join the band on the stage.

She gave Callum a look that said she really didn’t want to do this, but as the room almost shook with applause, Georgie released a deep breath, before she smiled at Callum.

“I guess it’s for your grandfather’s charity,” she said, blowing out another calming breath before she kissed his cheek and headed to the stage. As she did, a loud cheer came from the table where his family was sitting, and they were all on their feet.

Callum couldn’t help but smile a little as he turned back to the stage and watched Georgie, whisper to Ryan, as he quickly nodded, then turned to talk to the others, as Georgie took her place behind the microphone in the centre, as once more the applause died down a little.

“Thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen,” she said as she smiled nervously. “This is not how I saw tonight going, But, it’s for a very worthy cause, so how can I refuse. I’m going to sing a song that has recently found new meaning for me, and I like to dedicate it to everyone out there who has found that someone who makes everything feel right. This is ‘Yours,’ by Ella Henderson.”

Callum held his breath as the music started, and the most perfect voice he had ever heard, filled the room. He just stood there, captivated by Georgie, as she sang the most beautiful song he had ever heard. He listened to the words, and he knew she was telling him, exactly what he needed to hear. He knew then, in that moment, that he would move heaven and earth to make her happy. He knew that his life was never going to be the same again. She held his heart, and he would never love another person as much as he loved her.

When the song finished, everyone in the room was on their feet clapping. But Callum still just stood there, completely blown away by this amazing girl.

Georgie made her way down from the stage, as the room was buzzing with talk of how amazing she was. As she made her way back towards Callum, so many people stopped her to tell her how good she was, to which Georgie graciously thanked them.

“Wow,” Callum said when she finally reached him. “Where the hell did that voice come from?”

Georgie opened her mouth to speak, but before she could, the smile on her face suddenly faded, replaced by a look of dread instead.

“Georgie,” Callum said, giving her a worried look before he followed her gaze. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

“Shane,” was all she said, but Callum didn’t need anymore. He instantly spotted a guy dressed in jeans and the t-shirt, clearly looking like he didn’t belong here.

Callum could see even from the far side of the room that this asshole had been drinking, and he was here to cause trouble.

“Stay here,” he instructed Georgie, before he turned, heading toward Shane. As he did, his eyes met with Liam’s and Callum gave him a nod to follow him.

“You’re not stopping me from talking to her,” Shane insisted the moment he recognised Callum. “I know who you are, but you don’t scare me.”

“Mr. Burton,” Callum said in a very calm, but serious voice as he grabbed hold of Shane’s elbow. “Now is not the time or the place. I will not let you upset her or embarrass her in any way.”

“You have no right to stop me from talking to her,” Shane hissed, trying to yank his arm free from Callum’s but it was no use.

“I have every right,” Callum said, as he pushed Shane out through the door. A few seconds later Liam came through the door too.

“What’s the problem here?” Liam asked, giving Shane a curious look before he turned to Callum.

“Mr. Burton here was just leaving,” Callum replied praying to God that this wouldn’t turn into some big nightmare.

“I’m not going anywhere until I talk to Georgie,” Shane slurred, pinning Callum with a glare. “You have no right to keep me from her.”

“I don’t think that’s such a good idea,” Liam said, stepping between Callum and Shane. “Why don’t you go home, and sleep it off, buddy.”

“And who the fuck are you?” Shane hissed, looking at Liam. “The cops?”

“Actually,” Liam said as he reached into his inside pocket and pulled out his badge. “I am. Now go before I call in a squad car to come and take you downtown to sleep it off.”

Shane stared at him for a moment, before he turned and slowly staggered towards the door, clearly knowing he was beaten.

“Thanks,” Callum said, as Liam turned to look at him. “I thought that was going to get messy.”

Before Liam could answer, Shane piped up again.

“She’s going to leave you, you know,” Shane called out, stopping Callum in his tracks. “I know you think she loves you, but she won’t stay. It’s what she does. She tells you she loves you, then she leaves.”

“She didn’t stay with you, because you fucked some bimbo,” Callum retorted, as he turned back to face him. “You were the one that fucked this up, not her.”

“Yeah,” Shane said with a sarcastic laugh. “Well, maybe I wanted to fuck someone that wasn’t such a cold fucking bitch. Maybe if she hadn’t been so fucking frigid, I would have been faithful. Give it time, you’ll find out, and you’ll be looking for someone else to fuck. Besides, not like Georgie was that good in the fucking sack anyway.”

Callum had heard enough. He closed the distance between himself and Shane, grabbing him by the jacket, before punching him in the face. Liam reached them, just as Callum went to swing again, but before he could make him stop, Georgie's voice rang out, stopping Callum mid-swing.

“Please, don’t,” Georgie pleaded when Callum turned and saw her standing there. “He really isn’t worth it.”

“Georgie, please,” Shane begged the moment he saw her, as Liam grabbed hold of him, quickly escorting him out of the hotel. “You know you’re meant to be with me. PLEASE! You love me.”

Georgie didn’t respond. Instead, she kept her focus on Callum.

“Georgie, I won’t let you do this,” Shane called out before Liam finally got him out the door. “I promise, I’m going to show you who this asshole really is.”

“Georgie, I…” Callum said, hating she had seen his angry side once more. Instantly Camilla’s words filled his head.

Someone should warn her about your temper.

Before he could say another word, she closed the distance between them, pressing her lips to his.

“I love you,” she whispered, saying the only words he wanted to hear.

“I love you, more,” Callum replied before he claimed her lips with his.